Early Religions

Origins and Expansion

Hinduism

Evolved slowly over a very long period of time Indus RVC onward

NO ONE FOUNDER No single set of

beliefs Religion is meant to

liberate the soul from everyday existence

Hinduism Cont.

Polytheistic Belief Structure Many Gods

3 Main Deities Brahma

The Creator Vishnu

The Protector Shiva

The Destroyer

Hinduism

Belief in Reincarnation and a Soul’s Karma

Karma – the good or bad deeds one does

Followers believe that you live this life as a punishment / reward for your previous lives.

Buddhism

Founded by Siddhartha Gautama Same area of the

world as Hinduism Specifically was

from modern day Nepal

Wandered through India looking for enlightenment

Buddhism 4 Noble Truths

Life is filled with suffering and sorrow

The cause of all suffering is people’s selfish desire for the pleasures of this world

The way to end all suffering is to end all desires

The way to overcome such desires and attain enlightenment is to follow the Eightfold Path.

Buddhism Cont

Following the Eightfold Path leads to Nirvana

Buddhism does involve Reincarnation

Reincarnation is not infinite though Stops once one

reaches pure enlightenment

Founding

Tradition dictates that a man named Abraham founded Judaism Raised in Ur around 1800

B.C. Left and traveled around

with his family Made a covenant with

his god to be faithful

Judaism

Judaism Cont

Judaism is one of the oldest monotheistic religions. Perhaps the oldest

still in practice today

Other Jewish leaders added to the religion Moses – 10

Commandments Laws governed

society

Judaism Cont.

The Jewish God was/is named Yahweh Different because

Yahweh was incorporeal

Other society’s Gods were idols or linked to a specific spot

Yahweh was everywhere.